Normotel Restaurant La Marine

I understand why this hotel has a 2 day cancellation policy. You would instantly turn around and leave. I booked 3 nights, and left after the first night, it was that bad, forfeiting my money. I paid for a Superior room, €105 per night. Absolutely nothing is superior in this hotel, believe me. Hotel rooms are dirty. Plumbing is noisy, pipes banged and groaned anytime someone flushed a toilet in the hotel. Beds are well past their best. I rolled my duvet up and slept on the floor, they were that uncomfortable. No air-con, I knew this, but it is too noisy to open your windows. There is no noise insulation. I sat and listened to a couple a floor below have a conversation to pass some time while sitting weeping in my room. God only knows how the restaurant scores highly in places to eat in Caudebec-en-Caux. People must come in with very very low expectations. I stayed in this hotel about 15 years ago, it was basic then, and they have spent nothing on upkeep of the rooms since then. They have decorated the restaurant, but to be honest, that is an assault on the senses. I have nothing good to say about my experience. The staff looked and acted like they wanted to be somewhere else, much like their guests I’d imagine. What they charge for their rooms is criminal. I essentially paid not to stay there by checking out and forfeiting my money, and found fantastic accommodation 10 minutes away in Jumierges. If you are thinking of staying here, don’t.

I had booked the hotel for a group of 16. We booked the hotel back in October 2017 for an overnight stay whilst we were on a cycle tour. The hotel seemed expensive but we wanted to break our trip at Caudebec, so it seemed the natural choice. We had a mixture of twin rooms and double rooms and before arrival the hotel assured us there was secure bike parking for 15 bikes. On arrival there seemed some confusion about our booking and the man on the desk was not very welcoming. On production of the email with the booking confirmation, keys for all rooms were produced and we were directed to park our bikes in a secure area at the rear of the hotel. My room had a lovely view across the Seine with a Juliette balcony. It was a lovely weekend so the room was very hot (no air conditioning) and with the doors open it was very noisy. I did struggle to sleep despite a long ride that day. The room did not appear to have been cleaned, but I was relieved to see the bedding was clean and the bed was comfortable. The bathroom was functional, the shower was not great but it did the job. Others in the group said the toilets werent clean in their rooms and the bathrooms were very small. Unfortunately breakfast service didnt start until 8am, so we had to find a local boulangerie to provide us with sustenance for the next days riding. Therefore I cant comment on the food at the hotel. I probably would not return to this hotel, purely as it was over priced for the quality of the hotel.

I did use the bar of the hotel for a snack in the afternoon. Got served crepes on paper plates ! Are we really in a restaurant / hotel ???? Crepes were not fresh, after asking the waiter , he admitted they were done earlier by a colleague .... Service was terrific , 15€ for 2 teas and 3 re-heated crepes ! When we gave the feedback at the reception , the lady didn't even apologise .. The only thing she said is its 15€ ! This lady should go for hospitality training cause the way she treated her and the previous customers in front of us is disgusting ! I defenetely will never come back to this place and will never advise friends or family to stay or eat in this place !

Rooms are not huge but some have balconies other just the Juliette type. HOWEVER, traffic noise is a thing particularly as there is no aircon so let in air, let in noise. Room decor is a little tired and more sockets are required for the modern traveller. Good, standard continental breakfast. Bar is good but the auto piano can become grating. Dining room is large airy and well managed. Food is fine.

I am afraid that this hotel has had its day. Serious investment needed to bring it up to scratch, the bedrooms are no longer acceptable these days. Nowhere at all to unpack (see photo, that's it!) and tiny bathrooms. Almost impassible to sit on the toilet! I have stayed here many times over the last twenty years, and whilst the owner did try to bring it up to date, nothing has improved during the last five years. The location is good, and that is its saving grace. However, last night lorries trundled past all night long, and it was impossible to sleep with the door open (no window) so no fresh air. The beds are ancient, the pillows smelt awful, as did the room on entry. I book hotels for groups all over Europe, and I am usually positive (see my other reviews) but I was so disappointed last night that I feel it necessary to put it in print. The restaurant is good however. It is terribly overpriced.